A Merced woman who witnessed Sweetie being dragged behind a bicycle spoke out to ABC30 Action News last week.
The resident, who asked not to be identified, told the Fresno-based station she saw a homeless man dragging the husky on hot pavement while riding a bike. Her account joined a growing file of reports that Merced police have compiled over weeks, with some allegations dating back to last year.
The president of Merced’s SPCA also spoke with ABC30, describing a separate incident she witnessed. She told the outlet she saw the man pick Sweetie up from the neck and slam her to the ground. The SPCA president’s statement added to the body of evidence officers have gathered as they build their case.
Merced Police Lt. Kalvin Haygood addressed the pace of the investigation in an interview with ABC30. “It does take time to build these cases. And we’re hoping that someone out there has the evidence that we’re looking for,” he said.
Police said officers have been collecting evidence of abuse and neglect for weeks to submit to the Merced County District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors are expected to evaluate the case to determine whether criminal charges will be filed against the homeless man.
Photos of Sweetie have circulated widely online, showing the dog in dire condition. One image showed the husky struggling to remove a tight muzzle. A video also surfaced showing the homeless man pulling Sweetie by the collar as she yelped.
The investigation now encompasses multiple alleged incidents. Haygood told ABC30 that the department is also investigating another abuse incident involving the dog that occurred outside a Taco Bell on Aug. 7.
That alleged incident happened one day after police had taken Sweetie to a veterinarian to be evaluated for signs of neglect or abuse. Authorities returned the dog to the owner when it was determined she was in good enough health.
But after the Taco Bell incident, Sweetie was taken into protective custody again. The decision came after sustained advocacy from Merced residents, many of whom told ABC30 they had been pushing for action on the husky’s behalf.
Some residents also expressed frustration that the process was moving too slowly. The case has highlighted tensions between community expectations for swift action and the methodical evidence-gathering required for potential criminal prosecution.
In the viral moment that sparked widespread attention, a Merced resident’s report of seeing Sweetie dragged on hot pavement while tethered to a bicycle joined earlier complaints to create pressure for police intervention. The images of Sweetie in distress, including her struggle with the muzzle and the video of her being pulled by the collar while yelping, fueled online outrage and local advocacy efforts that eventually contributed to her removal from the homeless man’s custody.
Merced police continue their investigation as the District Attorney’s Office prepares to review the evidence for possible charges.